A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Sokoto on Wednesday, ordered that a 33-year-old housewife, Rahila Yakubu, be remanded in a correctional centre for alleged cruelty to her stepdaughter.
Yakubu, who resides in Sokoto metropolis is charged with three counts of causing grievous hurt, child cruelty and wrongful confinement.
Chief Magistrate Fatima Hassan, who gave the order, adjourned the case until Dec. 22, for hearing.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp. George Idoko, said the incident was reported on Dec. 12.
Idoko said the victim sustained injuries on her body as a result of the maltreatments and was presently receiving treatment.
When charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty while the Defence Counsel, Mr. Shamsuddeen Dauda, applied for her bail.
However, the Prosecutor opposed the application.
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He said investigation into the matter is in progress.
Idoko said in recognition of gravity of the offence and the condition of the victim, investigation might be jeopardise.
He said the prosecution was ready to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Speaking to newsmen after the arraignment, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajia Kulu Sifawa, commended state ministry of health for taking care of the medical cost of the victim.
Sifawa appealed for diligent prosecution in the case in view of nature of the cases of Gender Based Violence and assured further support to the victim. (NAN)
